Sunday, July 23, 2017

A Kansas Farm Birthday

My wife's youngest sister, Mary Lee, has cerebral palsy and is severely handicapped. She has not had an easy life. Still, her brothers and sisters watch out for her. She is precious and much loved. She turns 60 this month and it was time to do something special for her.

She lives in a group home in a small Kansas town, quite some distance west of KC. The family brought her to town this weekend for a celebration. The suburban town of Overland Park, Kansas, has a remarkable facility, the Deanna Rose Childrens' Farmstead. It distills the essence of Kansas' farming tradition for kids who now live with air conditioning, cars and video screens. Good venue for the occasion. Above, my wife, Carolyn, is in turquoise. Clockwise from her, Dorothy Holst, Mary Lee, Mel Kruse and Ron Kruse.

My mother was a twin and the other twin had a severe case of cerebral palsy. She lived with us for part of my childhood before moving to an institution. It was a very hard life for her and for her family as caregivers. I am sure Mary lee appreciated the attention and love from her siblings.